Our NEW pattern – the Frankie Dress/Top

August 11, 2016

Hey readers! We’re so happy to introduce you to our latest pattern – the Frankie Top/Dress. In addition to being a cruisy sew, she’s also pretty versatile and we love her because she’s suitable for ALL the seasons.

The pattern features a flared hemline, set in sleeves and comes with numerous style options – a top, two dress lengths and four sleeve lengths (short, elbow, three quarter and full). Oh the possibilities!

The bateau neckline features a simple turned back front and, for extra strength, we’ve included a stitched-down back facing that creates a neat and secure neckline.

Frankie’s also fantastic as a trans-seasonal layering piece too. The full length works perfectly in the cooler months and can be worn with shirts. She’s a total match made in wardrobe heaven with our Sydney Jacket.

I made up this version in our Hashtag Black which is – hands down – my favourite jersey composition (viscose/spandex). It’s weighty and drapey and holds both colour and memory in a way that so many knits just don’t. It also washes like a dream and is all over perfect for Frankie. You can see our full range here.

Anita from our Surry Hills store made her glam version (below) in our Sparkling Romance, an Italian

Hi Amanda, It would be ideal if you owned a overlocker/serger. But if not you could still use your sewing machine to sew the Frankie Top/Dress, but you MUST select/use the stretch stitch setting (looks a little like a lightning bolt – not the zig zag stitch) on your machine. If you don't your stitching will snap and break on your garment if you use the straight stitch setting. You would also need to change your machine needle to the a stretch needle (for jerseys with elastane) or a ball point needle (for 100% cotton knits). When sewing the front neckline, sleeve and body hems a stretch twin needle needs to be on your sewing machine. It's not that difficult, the difference is the way you handle your fabric when sewing, if new to stretch sewing then starting off with a quality 100% cotton knit is easier to work with at first. The sewing instruction we provide with the pattern will talk you through the steps along with clear colour photos as an extra guide. Most of our customers who do eventually give stretch sewing a go, always comment that it was easier than they thought, provided you use good quality knits/jerseys, correct needles and take your time. Give it a go Amanda, just imagine the fabulous and comfortable wardrobe you could create!

Colette, that is a wonderful reply and I really appreciate the time you took to write it. I will buy the pattern and some fabric today and give it a good go! Thank you for all of the technical advice…….our little sewing shop in Orange will hopefully have all the bits & pieces. Have a great weekend, Amanda

I just finished the top with 3/4 sleeves and I totally love it. It's such a great, easy pattern. My machine had a little trouble with the elastic in the back neckline though and made a bunch of thread spaghetti. I wonder if I could skip that step?

I REALLY need a little help. Have a long stretchy fabric in a long evening gown with a side slit. I have done everything I can think of to shorten the hem, even using a fusible stretch interfacing but the side slit always turns inward and disappears completely. Am I stretching it too much while sewing or too little?

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Colette and Lisa collaborate to bring you this here Tessuti blog. Follow us to keep your finger on the pulse of new pattern releases, reviews, tips, techniques and a healthy dose of love and appreciation for all things fabric and sewing!